Comedy and drama producer Hartswood Films has announced a formal partnership with Serena Cullen Productions that will give it the first opportunity to develop scripts from the recently-launched indie.

BBC 1 recently commissioned a new comedy series Me & Mrs Jones from Hartswood Films in association with Serena Cullen Productions, which starts shooting next week. The new deal will extend that relationship by developing a broad slate comedy and drama series.

Hartswood Film Chairman Beryl Vertue said: “Serena brings a fresh perspective to everything she produces and working with her on Me & Mrs Jones has been both mutually beneficial and great fun.  Her career has seen her break new ground in online, comedy and drama and I am excited that Hartswood can help bring her ideas to the screen. We are delighted to be in partnership.”

Serena Cullen added: “Workıng wıth Beryl on Me & Mrs Jones has been a wonderful experıence so far so ıt feels just rıght to be extendıng thıs relatıonshıp.”